July 21, 2012

Her birthday would have been in about 6 weeks. But we never shared birthday celebrations. We shared Thanksgiving Day once, before her sister moved to town.

We both liked to think and to talk about spiritual topics. We didn’t talk much to one another about them, though. She’d share a video from time to time or tell us what she’d heard taught at the latest prayer conference. But we didn’t discuss and debate our differences. I wish we had. Not that being right matters. It’s the truth that matters. It matters desperately.

She came to my classes — our classes, the ones that Dave and I co-taught. She supported me in my fledgling efforts at teaching, at making the difference I’m called to make.

She made a difference. She prayed and taught others to pray. She worked to see our congregation make a positive impact at home and around the world. She will have our prayer room named after her, a fitting tribute.

I miss you, my friend. And I look forward to seeing you again. Someday. Selfishly, I hope not soon. But when I have finished my course, as you have already (so young) finished yours.

July 10, 2010

To build true community, to grow really close to others, it helps a lot if you live near one another. Then you can take over meals when they need help. And water their lawns when they’re away. And get to know all of their children’s names. And interact regularly, several times each week. I need this, and I want to make it a high priority — right after my next trip.

You can grow close, I think, in your workplace, too. If you work with others three or more days a week and have lots of interaction. But the evenings and weekends at home and in the neighborhood provide the best chance for real friendship and fellowship. Like Randy Frazee says. So I need to get to know my neighbors and become a “team” with some of them. Just a few families will be enough. It doesn’t have to be ten or twenty. That would be overwhelming. Just a few will do.